Mariners: Staff was right to bust lesbian couple

The Seattle Mariners have concluded that the lesbian couple who claimed Safeco Field staff singled them out for their sexual orientation are wrong.

The ushers who asked 23-year-old Sirbrina Guerrero and her closeted 21-year-old partner to “tone down” their kissing last week acted “appropriately,” the Mariners determined, because they were “responding to the behavior of the couple involved, not because of the couple’s sexual orientation,” Mariners spokeswoman Rebecca Hale wrote in an e-mail this morning (read the full text below).

“In the judgment of the Safeco Field staff, the couple’s actions were not appropriate in a ballpark setting, regardless of the sexual orientation of those involved.”

Notably, Hale’s e-mail did not mention a key, arguably judgmental statement Guerrero told P-I columnist Robert Jamieson she heard from a seating host — “There’s children in the crowd. It’s not fair for parents to have to explain to their kids why two women are kissing.” (Update: A Mariners spokeswoman says the usher was repeating a statement made by a guest at the game. More in an upcoming post)

Hale wrote that two “experienced” staff members who saw the couple described their kiss as “making out,” “fondling” and “groping.” The women “began swearing” at the seating hosts after they were asked not to stop kissing, but to “tone it down,” according to the e-mail.

“It is unfortunate that the actions and motives of our staff have been portrayed as discriminatory,” Hale wrote. “To be certain that everyone understands this policy and the need to respect all fans, we have reaffirmed this policy with all Safeco Field staff.”

What do you think of the Mariners’ decision?

I’ve put in a call to Rebecca Hale with more questions. I’ll let you know what I hear. If you have anything you’d like to ask, let me know.

Below if the full text of Hale’s e-mail:

The Seattle Mariners have completed an internal review of an incident that occurred during a game on Monday, May 26, in which a same sex couple claimed that they were singled out by Safeco Field personnel because of their sexual orientation.

After reviewing all the reports and interviewing those directly involved in this incident, we believe that our staff acted appropriately because they were responding to the behavior of the couple involved, not because of the couple’s sexual orientation.

Our goal is to foster an atmosphere at Safeco Field that is welcoming to all fans. The Seattle Mariners, and all Major League Baseball teams, have codes of conduct that outline behavior that are not conducive to a safe, comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere at the ballpark. The code, which is posted on all gates and is read over the public address system before each game, is enforced based only on behavior and not on the identity of those involved.

In this particular case, two experienced staff members observed the couple’s actions and described the behavior as more than a casual kiss, but rather as “making out,” “fondling,” and “groping.” In addition, the staff members received a complaint from another fan seated nearby. In the judgment of the Safeco Field staff, the couple’s actions were not appropriate in a ballpark setting, regardless of the sexual orientation of those involved. While inappropriate displays of public affection are not a frequent occurrence, our seating hosts have addressed this type of behavior with heterosexual couples.

Our staff members first asked the couple to modify their behavior to be more appropriate for the setting. The couple was not asked to leave the ballpark. They were told they could continue to kiss but they had to tone it down. The women refused to modify their behavior, began swearing at the seating hosts and complained that they were being singled out for their sexual orientation. Several staff members informed the women that it was their behavior-not their identity-that was the issue.

It is unfortunate that the actions and motives of our staff have been portrayed as discriminatory. The Seattle Mariners have a very strict non-discrimination policy. We value the cultural and social diversity reflected in our community and among our employees. We work hard to make sure that all of our staff understand and honor that diversity. To be certain that everyone understands this policy and the need to respect all fans, we have reaffirmed this policy with all Safeco Field staff.

Since Safeco Field opened in July 1999, nearly 27 million fans have come through the gates of the ballpark. Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome at Safeco Field and to foster an atmosphere where everyone can have an enjoyable experience.